An Invitation

Chapter - 35

A week later, as Hecate's class ended, I moved slowly down the familiar halls toward my dorm. Eileithyia had mentioned she'd be busy for a few days—something about a visit to her mother, the goddess Hera. It had only been a week since we'd become... well, more than just close. And as much as I hated to admit it, it felt strange not having her around. I'd fallen deep for her, and the time apart felt emptier than I was used to. 

"Callum, wait a minute," a voice called from behind me. 

I turned to see Cassia coming up to me, her expression a mix of purpose and a hint of nervousness. She was different from her usual, confident self.

"Hey, Cassia," I said, waiting as she caught up.

"I wanted to tell you about something coming up," she began, "In about a month, we'll have a week-long break. The academy shuts down entirely, and everyone is required to leave for the holiday." 

"A full week off?" I repeated, caught off guard. I hadn't heard anything about this before.

"Yes. Every three months, the academy has a holiday break, where students go home for a week. During this time, the gods meet in council—some formal gathering they have to attend. So the academy is closed to us."

I listened, nodding slowly. For most students, it would be a time to go home, back to their families. But for me, the reality was different. Being an orphan in this world, I didn't exactly have anywhere to go.

Cassia must've read my thoughts because she paused before continuing, almost cautiously. "I know you don't have family nearby... and well, I spoke with a few people to make sure. I asked around, and they said you'd probably have nowhere to stay during the break."

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. "I'll just make do somewhere."

"Well," she said, shifting her weight, "I thought... you could come with me. To my family's home."

Her invitation hung in the air, catching me off guard. Cassia was offering to bring me back to her home, to meet her family. It was a kind gesture, and something I hadn't expected at all. I glanced at her, noting the sincerity in her expression.

"I think you'll like it," she continued, her tone growing more animated. "It's a peaceful place, and I thought it might keep you from being stuck alone. And my family would welcome you."

I considered her offer for a moment. Cassia came from a lesser noble family—one that had earned their position not through birthright but through the courage and loyalty of her father. He'd once been a celebrated soldier, rising to nobility due to his achievements on the battlefield and in the Celestial Gate, in service to the Olympian Kingdom. But tragically, her father, along with her elder brother, had died in a skirmish a few years back. It left Cassia, her mother, and her two elder sisters as the family's remaining members.

Her family's nobility was newer, still adjusting to their title. They were a proud house but without the powerful resources or established lineage that many noble families possessed. Among the three daughters, Cassia was the only one able to wield Iridium, inheriting that talent from her father. Her family had pinned their hopes on her enrollment in the Olympian Academy. It wasn't just for her—it was for them all. With her skills and eventual status as an adventurer, she'd be able to elevate her family's name and bring stability to them once more.

In short, Cassia's family was a noble one, but not so elite that they'd see me as insignificant, like Jennifer's or Marcia's families might. Cassia's invitation was genuine; it was more than an empty gesture.

Finally, I nodded, smiling. "Alright, Cassia. I'd be honored to go with you. Thanks."

She grinned, relief evident on her face. "Good! I think it'll be a nice change for you." After a bit more small talk, we said our goodbyes, and I headed toward the dorm, turning the invitation over in my mind. Spending the break with a noble family had its perks—it could open doors, establish connections. And with Cassia's family, I might be able to do so without the rigid formalities that were common in higher-ranked noble households.

As I walked, though, I felt a restlessness settle in me. Maybe it was from the conversation with Cassia or maybe from the long day in class, but I knew heading to my dorm right now would only leave me fidgety. Instead, I veered off course and made my way to one of the numerous training halls spread across the academy.

The hall was mostly empty, only a few students sparring in the corners. Grabbing a set of training dummies, I moved to an open area and got to work. I practiced combinations, testing my form, and honing each strike. Moving from one dummy to the next, I felt my muscles burning with each swing of my axe. I also practiced my skills, especially Glacier's Call.

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Glacier's Call – The user slams their weapon into the ground, causing a line of jagged ice spikes to erupt from beneath, targeting a straight path in front. Enemies hit are launched upward and may be encased in ice, immobilizing them temporarily and causing lasting frost damage.

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The skill itself held great promise—a technique that, with the right finesse, could give me a serious edge. But its Iridium cost was currently too high, making it a risky option in actual combat. I needed to refine it, become more familiar with it, so that I could instinctively control it with minimal effort. Only then could I bring down the Iridium cost and turn it into a viable weapon in my arsenal.

Hours passed as I drilled the skill over and over, focusing on perfecting my timing, conserving every ounce of energy, and feeling the rhythm of the power.

After training for a few hours, I stepped back, breathing hard but feeling sharper, more focused. A reminder that no matter how unpredictable the academy life might be, there was one thing I could rely on: the discipline of hard work.